Sahara Group has called for a fundamental reform on energy transition, infrastructure financing and energy journalism, urging stakeholders to embrace solutions that reflect the continent’s realities while building the partnerships, institutions and investments required for long-term development.
The call formed the central thrust of discussions at the third edition of Asharami Square, a Sahara Group thought leadership initiative held under the theme “Energising Africa’s Future: Legacy, Impact and Transformation.”
Opening the discussions, the Director, Governance and Sustainability, Sahara Group, Ejiro Gray, stated
that Africa’s energy future must be shaped by local realities and called for more balanced, evidence-based journalism capable of interrogating the complexities of energy transition, development and sustainability.
The event also featured the unveiling of the Asharami Square Energy Reporting Fellowship Judging Panel, reinforcing Sahara Group’s commitment to strengthening energy journalism and fostering more informed reporting on Africa’s energy future.
Speaking on the initiative, Head, Corporate Communications, Sahara Group, Bethel Obioma, said the Fellowship was designed to deepen journalists’ understanding of the technical, commercial, environmental and policy issues shaping the energy sector.
Delivering the keynote address, Special Adviser to the President on Power Infrastructure in the Office of the Vice President, Sadiq Wanka, highlighted the opportunities emerging within Nigeria’s electricity sector as reforms continue to open new pathways for investment.
Wanka said reforms across the sector are creating opportunities in embedded generation, mini-grids, renewable energy, transmission infrastructure and industrial power solutions, while urging journalists to delve deeper into policy reforms, investment opportunities and implementation outcomes.
A panel session featuring the Director, Institute of Continuing Education, University of Lagos, Prof. Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika; CEO, Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC); Temitope George, Managing Director, Investment Banking, Chapel Hill Denham, Kemi Awodein, and moderated by Associate Editor, Africa, Argus Media, Adebiyi Olusolape, explored the question: Who is financing Africa’s energy future?
The panelists agreed that Africa possesses significant pools of capital capable of supporting infrastructure development, but that unlocking investment requires stronger governance, investor confidence and better project preparation.
Speaking on journalism and accountability, Ogwezzy-Ndisika called for more rigorous and solutions-focused reporting.
George emphasized the importance of investment readiness, noting that well-structured and thoroughly prepared projects are more likely to attract funding.
Drawing from her experience in infrastructure finance, Awodein underscored the role of governance in unlocking capital.
